G A R N E T

 

Hardness 7-7,5
Modern birthstone:  January

 

When most people think of garnet, they think of red garnet which is not too expensive. There are many different types of garnet, some very rare and valuable, some intense oranges and greens. Garnets can be faceted or en cabouchon.

 

Pyrope garnets are red, sometimes with a hint of brown.  They are so called from the Greek word for fiery - pyrope. They can be an intense “red” and very lively, and relatively expensive, especially larger stones which keep their intense red colour. Within pyrope garnets, you also get Rhodolite garnets, which are the most intense “mulberry” colour and can be quite pricey, especially large clear stones.